Wireless mobile call location and delivery for non-geographic numbers using a wireline SSP+SCP/wireless HLR interface

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number that comprises either a non-geographic directory number or a non-diable directory number. A call is placed from a wireline telephone to a preselected geographic-based access directory number (DN). The originating switching node, which may be an AIN-capable SSP, recognizes the access DN as an AIN trigger, and thereafter identifies a signaling node, which may be an AIN-capable SCP, that is associated with the dialed access DN. The originating switching node is then controlled to provide dialtone and collect digits from the caller, the collected digits corresponding to the non-geographic or non-dialable wireless directory number. Thereafter, the originating switching node transmits the collected digits to the signaling node. The signaling node sends a location request that includes the wireless DN to an HLR, which returns a temporary local directory number (TLDN) in accordance with ANSI-41 processing protocols. The call connection is thereafter performed directly from the originating switching node in the end office to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN. The method and system allows mobile location and call delivery using non-geographic directory numbers with a single call from any end-point.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 09/340,508 filed Jul. 1, 1999, assigned to the common assignee of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to telecommunication networks and, more particularly, to a method and system for routing calls directed to non-geographic wireless directory numbers in a telecommunications network.

2. Background of the Art

In known telecommunications networks, a wireline telephone number or directory number (DN) is associated with a fixed geographic location and is served by a single wireline switch. In a wireless network, however, a wireless DN is associated with multiple geographic locations and is served by any one of a number of wireless switches depending on the specific geographic location of the associated mobile wireless device (hereinafter mobile wireless station or wireless station) at the time a call is made. This portability of a wireless DN is one of the basic attributes of wireless telephony, and is often referred to as “roaming”.

In the present implementation of wireless networks, each mobile directory number is associated by both the wireless and wireline networks with a specific geographic home switch location. The home switch location includes a physical connectivity matrix and a stored program control section that houses the logic and algorithms necessary to control the connectivity. Associated with wireless switches is a collection of Radio Frequency (RF) channels, aggregated in multiple physical locations called cell sites across a specific area corresponding to a serving market, and variously known in the United States under the designations MSA, RSA, MTA, and BTA, depending on the FCC license.

A pair of entities known as a home location register (HLR) and visited location register (VLR) in a telecommunications network provide seamless roaming or call delivery when a call is placed to or from a wireless DN. A home location register is associated with a home wireless switch where a wireless DN resides (i.e., the wireless switch to which all incoming wireline-originated calls to the wireless DN are directed). A mobile wireless station is located within its home area when the wireless station can directly communicate with its associated home wireless switch (i.e., located in the area covered by the home wireless switch).

A visited location register is associated with a wireless switch currently serving a wireless station that is outside of its home area. A wireless station is outside of its home area (or roams) when the wireless station cannot directly communicate with the home wireless switch, and instead communicates with another wireless switch, which is referred to as a visited wireless switch.

Typically, when the VLR and HLR are physically in the same location, the mobile wireless station is “Home” and is not roaming. When the VLR and the HLR are not in the same location and specialized protocols are not implemented to make the wireless station act as if it were “Home”, then the wireless station is “roaming”.

Phone calls from a land-based terminal or station to a mobile wireless station can be completed while roaming only by a carefully orchestrated set of interactions between the HLR and VLR, all of which are described and defined by ANSI-41. ANSI-41 defines the HLR as a logically and possibly physically separate device from the actual switching matrix underlying the RF portion of the wireless network for the home location for the mobile wireless station. Similarly, the VLR is defined as a logically and possibly physically separate device from the actual switching matrix underlying the RF portion of the wireless network from which a mobile wireless station is currently being served. This physical separation, together with the Signaling System Seven (SS7) and the associate messages and protocols, are existing underlying components utilized by the invention.

One problem with known telecommunication networks is that two connections must be established when a call is placed to a wireless DN whose associated wireless station is outside of its home area. In such instances, the telecommunications network first establishes a connection to the home wireless switch associated with the wireless DN. That is, in the existing art, the wireline station call is first routed from the serving wireline switch to the home wireless switch (the HLR location), possibly by way of additional local or Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) switches. The home wireless switch then establishes a second connection to a visited wireless switch that currently serves the wireless DN. In particular, the HLR interacts with the VLR to obtain a Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) from the allocations made for the physical location of the visited wireless switch serving the wireless station. The wireless switch containing the HLR routes the call via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the wireless switch containing the VLR, which then establishes the necessary wireless RF connection to the mobile wireless station. Thus, two separate PSTN connections must be made to complete a single land-to-mobile call while roaming.

As an illustration, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional telecommunications network 100. Telecommunications network 100 comprises a wireline switch 110, a home wireless switch 120, a home location register 130, a signal transfer point (STP) 135, a visited location register 140, a visited wireless switch 150, a wireline telephone 155, a cell site including antenna 170, and a wireless station 175.

Typically, a wireline subscriber using telephone 155 initiates a call request 180 a by dialing the wireless DN associated with wireless station 175. When wireline switch 110 receives call request 180 a, wireline switch 110 establishes a first connection 180 b via a Public Switched Telephone Network PSTN) 160 to home wireless switch 120, which is the home switch associated with the dialed DN.

Home wireless switch 120 sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequest message 180 c to its associated home location register 130, requesting the current location of wireless station 175. The text of “Interim Standard 41”, Revision D, has been adopted to become the ANSI-41 standard. The IS-41, Rev. D, standard is described in “Radio Telecommunications Intersystem Operations,” ANSI/TIA/EIA/41-D-1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. The ANSI-41 standard describes the communication protocol between home wireless switch 120, home location register 130, visited location register 140, and visited wireless switch in telecommunications network 100. It should be understood that although the ANSI-41 standard is referred to herein, the features and capabilities of IS-41 Revision A have been found sufficient to enable the present invention.

If wireless station 175 is outside of its home area, as shown in FIG. 1, home location register 130 then identifies the visited location register with which wireless station 175 was last registered, for example, visited location register 140, and sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequest message 180 d via STP 135 to visited location register 140.

Visited location register 140 forwards RouteRequest message 180 d to its associated visited wireless switch 150, requesting a route to wireless station 175. Visited wireless switch 150 computes a temporary local directory number (TLDN), which can be used in establishing incoming calls to wireless station 175. Visited wireless switch 150 then returns the TLDN to visitor location register 140 in an ANSI-41 message 180 e. Visited location register 140 then sends, via STP 135, to home location register 130, an ANSI-41 RouteRequest response message 180 f that includes the TLDN.

Home location register 130 forwards RouteRequest response message 180 f to home wireless switch 120. Using the TLDN in RouteRequest response message 180 f, home wireless switch 130 then establishes a second connection 180 g to visited wireless switch 150, which sends a ring signal to wireless station 175. Thus, to establish a call between telephone 155 and wireless station 175 when wireless station 175 is outside of its home area, telecommunications network 100 must establish two separate connections 180 b and 180 g.

Another problem with conventional methods of routing land-to-mobile calls is that they are dependent on a known geographic “home” for the wireless DN in the home wireless switch. That is, certain directory numbers cannot be used as wireless DN's using the conventional approach shown in FIG. 1. These directory numbers include non-geographic numbers (e.g., NANP directory numbers to which no geographic territory has been assigned) and/or non-dialable numbers (e.g., directory numbers not provided for under the NANP). This unavailability is because such numbers are not routable under conventional approaches, inasmuch as they have no geographic endpoint (i.e., there is no “home” wireless switch for a non-geographic directory numbers). This unavailability reduces the capacity of the telecommunications network, as well as its efficiency. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system for establishing land-to-mobile calls that minimizes or eliminates one or more problems as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One advantage of a system in accordance with the present invention is that it reduces the number of connections that must be established in a telecommunications network when making a call from a land telecommunications terminal to a wireless mobile station. Another advantage of the present invention is that it increases network capacity and efficiency by enabling use of non-geographic and non-dialable directory numbers for wireless stations that would otherwise go unused.

A method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station wherein the wireless DN is either a non-geographic DN or non-dialable DN. The method involves a two-stage dialing procedure and includes five basic steps. The first step involves receiving a preselected access DN with an originating switching node. Preferably, the access DN is geographic based. The next step involves identifying a signaling node associated with the preselected access DN. The third step involves collecting digits from the caller corresponding to the wireless DN, using the originating switching node. The above-described receiving and collecting digits steps together define a two-stage dialing process. The fourth step involves determining a route that includes the originating switching node and a visited switching node serving the wireless DN. The fifth step includes establishing a connection to the mobile wireless station via the determined route. Thus, the present invention provides the means for the use of non-geographic and non-diable directory numbers, thereby increasing network capacity. Moreover, the connection is established through the originating switching node, thereby minimizing the number of switching nodes included in the voice path.

In a preferred embodiment, the originating switching node is an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP), while the signaling node comprises an AIN-capable Service Control Point (SCP).

This summary and the following description of the invention should not restrict the scope of the claimed invention. Both provide examples and explanations to enable others to practice the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which form part of the description of the invention, show several embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

In the Figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional telecommunications network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of wireline switch in a telecommunications network in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a trigger table in a wireline switch in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signaling node in a telecommunications network in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps performed by a call processing module in a wireline switch in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the steps performed by a call routing module in a signaling node in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network in accordance with a further two-stage dialing embodiment according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of embodiments of this invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Where appropriate, the same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements.

Methods and systems consistent with the present invention establish a single connection in a telecommunications network when connecting calls to wireless directory numbers (DNs) regardless of whether the associated wireless stations are within or outside of their respective home areas. In one embodiment, when a call is directed to a wireless DN, a wireline switch in the network identifies a signaling node associated with the wireless DN and sends the identified signaling node a request for a route to the wireless DN. If the wireless station associated with wireless DN is outside of its home area and is served by a visited node in the network, the signaling node determines a route that excludes the home node associated with the wireless DN and returns a temporary local directory number (TLDN) to the wireline switch. Using the TLDN, the wireline switch establishes a connection to the visited node, which sends a ring signal to the associated wireless station.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network 200 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention. As shown, telecommunications network 200 comprises a wireline switch 210, a signaling node 220, signal transfer points (STPs) 135, 225 and 235, home wireless switch 120, home location register 130, visited location register 140, visited wireless switch 150, a wireline station or telephone 155, cell site including antenna 170, and wireless station 175.

Wireline switch 210 connects to telephone 155 having an associated directory number, PSTN network 160, and STP 225. Wireline switch 210 may include, for example, a 5ESS™, DMS-100™ (or DMS-200™), GTD-5™, or an EWSD™ switching system manufactured by Lucent Technologies, Inc., Nortel Networks Corporation, AGCS, and Siemens, respectively. As explained below in detail, wireline switch 210 is configured to communicate with signaling node 220 when establishing incoming calls to wireless DNs, for example the wireless DN associated with wireless station 175.

Signaling node 220 interfaces home location register 130 via STP 235, which routes signaling messages in telecommunications network 200. Alternatively, signaling node 220 may interface with home location register 130 via a signaling network such as, a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network or an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Signaling node 220 may include a Service Control Point (SCP) such as, AI-NET™, Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP™), or Service Builder™ equipment/software manufactured or provided by Lucent Technologies, Inc., Telcordia Technologies, Inc., and Nortel Networks Corporation, respectively.

Home location register 130 interfaces via STP 235 with signaling node 220 and via STP 135 with visited location register 140. Home location register 130 stores information about wireless subscribers in telecommunications network 200 such as, the current location of a wireless station associated with a subscriber, billing information, and services that the wireless subscriber is authorized to use. Visited location register 140 stores information about the current location of a wireless station when a wireless station is activated outside of its home area. For example, in telecommunications network 200, wireless station 175 is within its home area when wireless station 175 directly communicates with home switch 120. However, wireless station 175 is outside of its home area when wireless station 175 cannot directly communicate with home wireless switch 120 and instead communicates with visited wireless switch 150. STPs 135, 225, and 235 route signaling messages such as, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), IS-41, ANSI-41, and SS7 messages in telecommunications network 200. Each STP 135, 225, and 235 may be an adjunct to a wireline or a wireless switch in telecommunications network 200.

Call flow processing in telecommunications network 200 will be explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of wireline switch 210 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention. As shown, wireline switch 210 comprises a processor 300, which connects via a bus 310 to a memory 320, a secondary storage 330, a peripheral interface module 340, a signaling interface module 350, an input terminal 360, and an output terminal 370.

Memory 320 includes a call processing 380, an operating system 382, and a trigger table 384, all of which are executed by processor 300. Call processing 380 includes software and data for establishing, maintaining, and terminating calls between subscribers. Operating system 382 includes software and data for non-switching functions, which include, for example, task scheduling and processor interrupt handling. As explained below in detail, trigger table 384 includes entries that are used to intercept calls destined to wireless DNs and to identify the associated signaling nodes for routing calls to wireless DNs without establishing connections to the home wireless switches associated with the wireless DNs.

Peripheral interface module 340 interfaces with trunks that connect wireline switch 210 to PSTN network 160. The trunks carry calls, which may include, voice, data, and video, established in telecommunications network 200.

Signaling interface module 350 transmits to and receives from STP 225 signaling information such as, AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages. For example, signaling interface module 350 converts signaling information generated by call processing 380 into AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages and transmits the messages to STP 225. Likewise, signaling interface module 350 receives AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages from STP 225 and converts the messages into an internal format for processing by call processing 380.

Secondary storage 330 includes a computer readable medium such as a disk drive and a tape drive. From the tape drive, software and data may be loaded onto the disk drive, which can then be copied into memory 320. Similarly, software and data in memory 320 may be copied onto the disk drive, which can then be loaded onto the tape drive.

Input terminal 360 may include an input device such as, a keyboard, and output terminal 370 may include a display device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of trigger table 384 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention. Trigger table 384 includes N predetermined triggers shown as entries 400 ₁-400 _(N), where each entry includes an index field and an identifier field. For example, entry 400 _(N) may include an index field 410 _(N) and an identifier field 420 _(N). In an embodiment where triggers 400 ₁-400 _(N) are Public Office Dialing Plan (PODP) triggers, an index field may include a 3, 6, or 10 digit string such as, an area code, an area code and an office code, or a DN. PODP triggers are described in AIN 0.1 standards TR-NWT-001284: Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 0.1 Switching System Generic Requirements, Issue 1 (August 1992) and TR-NWT-001285: Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 0.1 Service Control Point (SCP) Application Protocol Interface Requirements, Issue 1 (August 1992), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where triggers 4001-400 _(N) are Specific Digit String (SDS) triggers, an index may include any sequence of digits. SDS triggers are described in AIN 0.2 standards GR-1298-CORE: AIN SSP, AINGR: Switching Systems (A Module Of AINGR, FR-15), Issue 4 (September 97) and GR-1299-CORE: AINGR: Switch—Service Control Point (SCP)/Adjunct Interface (A Module Of AINGR, FR-15), Issue 4 (September 97), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

An identifier field includes a numeric string that identifies a signaling node associated with any wireless DN whose area code, area code and office code, or DN matches the associated index field in trigger table 384. For example, trigger table 384 may be configured to include a trigger entry 400 _(N), where index 410 _(N) includes the area code associated with the DN assigned to wireless station 175 and identifier 420 _(N) includes a translation type/global title address (TT/GTA) associated with signaling node 220. The TT/GTA may then be communicated to STP 225 for determining a point code associated with signaling node 220. Alternatively, identifier 420 _(N) may include a point code associated with signaling node 220, which may be used by wireline switch 210 to directly identify signaling node 220.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of signaling node 220 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention. Signaling node 220 comprises a processor 500, which connects via a bus 510 to a memory 520, a secondary storage 530, a signaling interface module 540, an input terminal 550, and an output terminal 560.

Memory 520 includes a call routing 570 and an operating system 572. Call routing 570 includes software and data for communicating with home location register 130 and other databases (not shown) such as, a Call Management Services Database (CMSDB), a Line Information Database (LIDB), and a Business Service Database (BSDB) in telecommunications network 200 when determining a route to a wireless DN such as, the wireless DN associated with wireless station 175.

Signaling interface module 540 transmits to and receives from STPs 225 and 235 signaling information such as, AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages. For example, signaling interface module 540 converts signaling information generated by call routing 570 into AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages and transmits the messages to STPs 225 and 235. Likewise, signaling interface module 540 receives AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages from STPs 225 and 235 and converts the messages into an internal format for processing by call routing 570.

Secondary storage 530 includes a computer readable medium such as a disk drive and a tape drive. From the tape drive, software and data may be loaded onto the disk drive, which can then be copied into memory 520. Similarly, software and data in memory 520 may be copied onto the disk drive, which can then be loaded onto the tape drive.

Input terminal 550 may include an input device such as, a keyboard, and output terminal 560 may include a display device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps performed by call processing 380 in wireline switch 210 when a wireline subscriber using telephone 155 originates a call to wireless station 175 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention. When the wireline subscriber dials the DN associated with wireless station 175, wireline switch 210 receives and processes a call request 180 a in accordance with call processing 380 (step 600). Call processing 380 then determines whether trigger table 384 includes a trigger whose index matches a sequence of digits in the dialed DN such as, the area code, a combination of the area code and office code, or any other sequence of digits (step 610).

If call processing 380 determines that trigger table 384 does not include any triggers with a matching index, call processing 380 continues normal call processing (step 620). If trigger table 384 includes a trigger with a matching index, call processing 380 suspends normal call processing and invokes the trigger to identify a signaling node, for example signaling node 220, associated with the dialed DN (step 630).

In one embodiment, the invoked trigger includes the TT/GTA associated with signaling node 220. In this embodiment, call processing 380 then sends an AIN info_analyze message 230 a via STP 225 to signaling node 220, requesting a route for establishing a call to the dialed DN (step 640). Info_analyze message 230 a includes as its parameters the DN associated with the calling telephone 155 and the dialed DN associated with wireless station 175.

For example, call processing 380 may send info_analyze message 230 a to STP 225 using a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) message, which includes the TT/GTA associated with signaling node 220. Using the TT/GTA, STP 225 then determines from its internal tables the point code associated with signaling node 220 and forwards info_analyze message 230 a to signaling node 220.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the invoked trigger may include the point code associated with signaling node 220. In this embodiment, call processing 380 may send an AIN info_analyze message 230 a directly to signaling node 220.

In response to info_analyze message 230 a, if wireless station 175 is within its home area (not shown), call processing 380 receives from signaling node 220 and AIN continue response message. Call processing 380 then resumes normal call processing, and using the dialed DN, establishes a connection to home wireless switch 120, which sends a ring signal to wireless station 175.

However, if wireless station 175 is outside of its home area as shown in FIG. 2, call processing 380 receives from signaling node 220 an analyze route message 230 e, which includes a temporary local directory number (TLDN) (step 650). Call processing 380 uses the TLDN to establish a connection 230 f to visited wireless switch 150, which sends a ring signal to wireless station 175 (step 660).

Accordingly, a single connection 230 f is established to a single wireless switch in telecommunications network 200 when establishing a call to wireless station 175 regardless of whether wireless station 175 is within or outside of its home area. In other words, when wireless station 175 is within its home area, a single connection is established to home wireless switch 120 as explained above. Likewise, when wireless station 175 is outside of its home area as shown in FIG. 2, a single connection is established to visited wireless switch 150.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the steps performed by call routing 570 in signaling node 220 when signaling node 220 receives from wireline switch 210 a request for routing a call to a dialed DN associated with wireless station 175 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention.

When signaling node 220 receives info_analyze message 230 a from wireline switch 210 (step 700), call routing 570 identifies a home location register, for example home location register 130, associated with the dialed DN (step 710).

Call routing 570 sends an ANSI-41 LocationRequest message 230 b via STP 235 to the identified home location register 130, requesting a route for establishing a call to the dialed DN (step 720). In response to LocationRequest message 230 b, if wireless station 175 is within its home area, home location register 130 sends to signaling node 220 via STP 235 a LocationRequest response message that includes the dialed DN. Based on the dialed DN value in the LocationRequest response message, call routing 570 determines that wireless station 175 is within its home area and sends via STP 225 an AIN continue response message to wireline switch 210. Using the dialed DN, wireline switch 210 then establishes a connection to home wireless switch 120, which sends a ring signal to wireless station 175.

However, if wireless station 175 is outside of its home area as shown in FIG. 2, home location register 130 identifies the visitor location register, for example, visited location register 140, with which wireless station 175 last registered, and sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequest message 180 d via STP 135 to the identified visitor location register 140. Visited location register 140 then forwards RouteRequest message 180 d to its associated visited wireless switch 150, requesting a route to wireless station 175.

Visited wireless switch 150 computes a temporary local directory number (TLDN), which can be used for establishing incoming calls to wireless station 175. Visited wireless switch 150 then returns the TLDN to visitor location register 140 in an ANSI-41 message 180 e. Visited location register 140 then sends via STP 135 to home location register 130 an ANSI-41 RouteRequest response message 180 f that includes the TLDN. When home location register 130 receives RouteRequest response message 180 f, it sends via STP 235 to signaling node 220 an ANSI-41 LocationRequest response message 230 c that includes the TLDN.

When signaling node 220 receives LocatingRequest response message 230 c from home location register 130 (step 730), call routing 570 sends analyze_route message 230 e via STP 225 to wireline switch 210, providing wireline switch 210 with the TLDN for establishing a call to wireless station 175 (step 740). Using the TLDN, wireline switch 210 establishes a connection 230 f to visited wireless switch 150, which sends a ring signal to wireless station 175. Accordingly, only a single connection 230 f is established to a single wireless switch (i.e., visited wireless switch 150) in telecommunications network 200 when establishing a call to wireless station 175 while wireless station 175 is outside of its home area.

Two-Stage Dialing

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, namely telecommunications network 800. Network 800 provides a system for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station 175 wherein the wireless DN is either a non-geographic DN or a non-diable DN. A non-geographic directory number, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, may be a unique ten-digit number in the same format as a ten-digit North American Numbering Plan (NANP) number, but which has no geographic territory assigned thereto. These non-geographic directory numbers will be allocated specifically for wireless mobile purposes. A non-diable directory number is a number that is not provided for as an NANP directory number (e.g., a ten-digit directory number beginning with “011”). Administration of non-geographic directory numbers or non-dialable directory numbers in accordance with the invention may be accomplished on a centralized basis, for example, as is currently done for toll free (e.g., “800,” “888” and “877”) numbers. The meaning of the terms non-geographic directory numbers and non-diable directory numbers are the same as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

It bears emphasizing that a key disadvantage of conventional networks is that non-geographic directory numbers have no “home” wireless switching matrix associated therewith. According to conventional teachings, an HLR with its accompanying home wireless switch is where calls to wireless directory numbers are first routed. Non-dialable numbers are not recognized by local switches. Accordingly, non-geographic and non-dialable directory numbers have been unavailable for use in wireless applications.

The embodiment of FIG. 8, according to the invention, enables use of non-geographic and/or non-dialable directory numbers for wireless mobile applications by establishing a novel two-stage dialing process. The caller first dials a preselected geographic-based access number. Next, dialtone is provided, and digits are collected from the caller corresponding to the desired wireless DN. The caller may be a person, or, in another embodiment, may be a modem, programmed to recognize the dialtone so provided and transmit digits in response thereto. The invention improves network capacity and efficiency.

A description of the embodiment of FIG. 8 begins with telecommunications network 800 including a wireline station such as telephone 155, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)/Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) 160, an originating switching node 810, a signaling node (SCP) 820, signal transfer point (STP) 235, Home Location Register (HLR) 130, signal transfer point (STP) 135, Visited Location Register (VLR) 140, visited switching node 150, cell site including antenna 170, and wireless mobile station 175.

HLR 130, VLR 140, visited switching node 150, wireline subscriber stations 155, PSTN/IXC 160, and cellular site including antenna 170 may each comprise conventional apparatus such as that described above in connection with network 200.

STPs 135 and 235 may also comprise conventional apparatus known in the art, as described above.

Originating switching node 810 is located in an end office associated with the preselected access directory number. Originating switching node 810 may be a local serving switch if wireline subscriber station 155 is served directly out of that office. Alternatively, and as also shown in FIG. 8, originating switching node 810 may be accessed from wireline subscriber station 155 through PSTN/IXC 160, which may comprise one or more intermediate offices. Originating switching node 810 is similar to wireline switch 210 inasmuch as it is configured to communicate, upon occurrence of a trigger event, with signaling node 820 when establishing connections for incoming calls. To this extent, the structure of switch 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 (and the description associated therewith) applies equally to originating switching node 810. Originating switching node 810, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP), compatible with and at least conforming to AIN release 0.1 (switching node 810 is hereinafter referred to as “SSP 810”). As with switch 210, SSP 810 executes a formal call model, which includes various trigger conditions, as described above with respect to network 200. In accordance with the present invention, SSP 810 is configured with a trigger so as to detect when the preselected geographic access directory number has been dialed, and to thereafter suspend call processing while querying signaling node 820 for further instructions.

Signaling node 820 is similar to signaling node 220. Therefore, the structure of node 220 illustrated in FIG. 5 (and the description associated therewith) applies equally to signaling node 820. Signaling node 820 interfaces to HLR 130 via STP 235, which routes signaling messages in telecommunications network 800. In a preferred embodiment of network 800, signaling node 820 comprises an AIN-capable Service Control Point (SCP), as described above (signaling node 820 is hereinafter referred to as “SCP 820”).

SCP 820, as with SSP 810, has also been programmed to recognize the preselected access directory number. In response thereto, SCP 820 requests that SSP 810 provide dialtone and collect digits (from the caller) corresponding to the desired wireless DN.

In operation, the combination of wireline SSP 810 and SCP 820 implement a novel two-stage dialing process, wherein a geographic access directory number is first dialed, and wherein SSP 810 subsequently collects digits corresponding to the non-geographic or non-dialable wireless directory number.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, a description of the operation will now be set forth. In FIG. 8, the voice path (i.e., the path over which the call is carried) is illustrated as a plurality of links, designated 880 _(a)-880 _(b). The signaling path, which may comprise a plurality of requests and responses thereto over a number of physical facilities, is designated 830 _(a)-830 _(b)-830 _(c)-830 d-830 _(e)-830 _(f)-830 _(g)-830 _(h)-830 _(i)-830 _(j) (in the order of occurrence).

Wireline telephone 155 initiates a call to SSP 810, where the geographic-based access directory number (DN) resides, by dialing the geographic-based access number. This is done to access a wireless mobile station 175 using a non-geographic or non-diable directory number. This first link of the connection is shown as a call request 880 a in FIG. 8, which is received and processed by SSP 810. Call processing 380 of SSP 810 (best shown in FIG. 3) then determines whether trigger table 384 includes a trigger that matches the dialed, preselected, geographic-based access directory number (i.e., the sequence of digits). As described above, the trigger may include the area code portion thereof, a combination of the area code and an office code portion thereof, or any other specific sequence of digits.

When call processing 380 determines that trigger table 384 does not include any triggers with a matching index, call processing 380 continues with normal call processing. When trigger table 384 includes a trigger with a matching index, however, call processing 380 suspends normal call processing, and invokes the trigger to identify a signaling node (e.g., SCP 820) associated with the dialed access directory number.

Call processing 380 then sends an AIN RouteRequest (info_analyze) message 830 a to SCP 820. SCP 820 recognizes the dialed preselected geographic-based access directory number and, in response thereto, directs SSP 810 via an AIN 0.1 message 830_(b), to provide dialtone and collect digits corresponding to the wireless DN. It bears emphasizing that the wireless DN, in accordance with the invention, is one of either a non-geographic DN or non-dialable DN. Thus, while these numbers may not be dialed directly, they nonetheless may be collected for further processing. The collected digits are returned to SCP 820 via an AIN 0.1 message 830 _(c).

SCP 820, now in possession of the dialed wireless DN (i.e., the “collected digits”), sends an ANSI-41 LocationRequest 830 _(d) to HLR 130, possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such as STP 235. HLR 130, in response thereto, issues a query to its internal database to determine which visited location register (VLR) is presently serving mobile wireless station 175. This is done by HLR by identifying a VLR with which the wireless mobile station 175 was last registered. Thus, while there are multiple possible VLRs, only one VLR is identified in response to the query. HLR 130 thereafter transmits a RouteRequest 830 e to the identified VLR, such as VLR 140 in FIG. 8, possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such as STP 135.

VLR 140 determines whether the call is deliverable, and if so, allocates a Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) from a pool of numbers whose geographic base is visited cellular wireless switch 150.

VLR 140 returns to HLR 130 the allocated TLDN by a message 820 _(f) in response to RouteRequest 830 _(e) (a “RouteRequest response” message), possibly routed by way of one or more STPS, such as STP 135.

HLR 130, upon receipt of the RouteRequest response message 830 _(f), transmits to SCP 820 a LocationRequest response message 830 _(g) that includes the allocated TLDN, possibly routed by way of one of more STPs, such as STP 235.

SCP 820, upon receipt of the LocationRequest response message 830 _(g) from HLR 130, transmits an analyze_route message 830 _(h) to SSP 810, providing SSP 810 with the TLDN for establishing a call by way of PSTN/IXC 160 to wireless mobile station 175.

SSP 810 is configured to pass the incoming voice connection 880 a to PSTN/IXC 160 for delivery to visited cellular switch 150. Using the TLDN, SSP 810 will establish connection 880 _(b) to switch 150.

For the voice connections link 880b to be established, switch 150 sends a RouteRequest, designated 830 i, to VLR 140. RouteRequest 830 i includes the TLDN. VLR 140 then associates the allocated TLDN with wireless mobile station 175, and passes the mobile station ID to switch 150 in a message designated 830 j in response to RouteRequest 830 i. Switch 150 is now able to connect the incoming call to wireless mobile station 175 by way of connection 880 _(b) via the correct cell site and antenna 170.

FIG. 8 therefore shows a continuous voice path comprising links 880 _(a)-880 _(b) created dynamically between a geographic-based wireline telephone 155 and a non-geographic-based wireless mobile station 175. Significantly, wireless mobile station 175, having a non-geographic directory number (or non-dialable DN) is accessed using a geographic-based access directory number and wireline/wireless integration to bridge between the two systems. Through the foregoing system and method, telecommunication network 800 exhibits an increased capacity (i.e., can handle more directory numbers) and improved efficiency (i.e., voice connection is established from originating switching node 810 directly to visited wireless switch 150—no need for voice connection through a “home” wireless switch).

Although aspects of one implementation are depicted as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be stored on or read from other computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROM; a carrier wave received from a network such as the Internet; or other forms of ROM or RAM. Finally, although specific components of a wireline switch and signaling node have been described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireline switch and signaling node suitable for use with methods and systems consistent with the present invention may contain additional or different components.

While it has been illustrated and described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments and methods of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention.

In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular element, technique or implementation to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the central scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiments and methods disclosed herein, but that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station wherein the wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a preselected access DN with an originating switching node; identifying a signaling node associated with the preselected access DN; communicating with the signaling node; collecting digits corresponding to the wireless DN; determining a route that includes the originating switching node and a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; and, establishing a connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route; wherein the originating switching node communicates with the signaling node by a different communication path from a communication path used to establish the connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the preselected access DN comprises a geographic DN.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the connection to the wireless mobile station defines a first connection, and, the receiving step comprises the step of: establishing a second connection between a subscriber initiating the call to the wireless DN and the originating switching node using the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the originating switching node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP).
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifying step comprises the step of: invoking a trigger indexed as a function of a portion of the preselected access DN.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the signaling node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Control Point (SCP).
 7. A method for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station wherein the wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a preselected access DN with an originating switching node; identifying a signaling node associated with the preselected access DN; collecting digits corresponding to the wireless DN; determining a route that includes the originating switching node and a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; establishing a connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route; transmitting a RouteRequest from the originating switching node to the signaling node that includes the preselected access DN after the identifying step; and, transmitting a request from the signaling node to the originating switching node to provide dialtone and collect digits corresponding to the wireless DN after the identifying step.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the determining step comprises the step of: sending to the originating switching node a temporary local directory number (TLDN) for establishing the connection to the wireless DN associated with the wireless mobile station.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the determining step comprises the steps of: transmitting a location request including the wireless DN to a home location register (HLR) associated with the wireless DN; transmitting a routing request from the HLR to a visited location register (VLR) with which the wireless mobile station was last registered; allocating a temporary local directory number (TLDN) at the VLR; and, returning the TLDN to the originating switching node.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the establishing step comprises the step of: establishing the connection to a temporary local directory number (TLDN) associated with the wireless mobile station having the wireless DN.
 11. A telecommunications network, comprising: an originating switching node configured to determine when a preselected access directory number (DN) has been received and to generate a routing request that includes the preselected access DN in response thereto; a signaling node configured to request said originating switching node to collect digits corresponding to a wireless DN in response to said routing request, said wireless DN being associated with a wireless mobile station wherein said wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN, said signaling node further configured to obtain a temporary local directory number (TLDN) allocated to the wireless mobile station; a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; wherein said originating switching node is operative to establish a connection to the wireless mobile station using said TLDN via a route that includes said originating switching node and said visited switching node; and wherein the originating switching node is adapted to communicate with the signaling node by a different communication path from a communication path used to establish the connection to the wireless mobile station.
 12. The network of claim 11 wherein said preselected access DN comprises a geographic DN.
 13. The network of claim 11 wherein said originating switching node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP).
 14. The network of claim 11 wherein said originating switching node includes means for invoking a trigger indexed as a function of a portion of said preselected access DN.
 15. The network of claim 11 wherein said signaling node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Control Point (SCP).
 16. A method for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station wherein the wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a preselected access DN with an originating switching node; identifying a signaling node associated with the preselected access DN; transmitting a routing request containing the access DN from the originating switching node to the signaling node; transmitting a digit collection request from the signaling node to the originating switching node to provide dialtone and collect digits corresponding to the wireless DN; collecting digits corresponding to the wireless DN with the originating switching node; determining a route that includes the originating switching node and a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; establishing a connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route; and wherein the routing request is transmitted across a communication path different from a communication path used for establishing the connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the preselected access DN comprises a geographic DN.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the originating switching node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP) and the signaling node comprises an AIN-capable Service Control Point (SCP).
 19. A method for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station wherein the wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a preselected access DN with an originating switching node; identifying a signaling node associated with the preselected access DN; transmitting a routing request containing the access DN from the originating switching node to the signaling node; transmitting a digit collection request from the signaling node to the originating switching node to provide dialtone and collect digits corresponding to the wireless DN; collecting digits corresponding to the wireless DN with the originating switching node; determining a route that includes the originating switching node and a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; establishing a connection to the wireless mobile station via the determined route; wherein the determining step comprises the steps of: transmitting a location request including the wireless DN to a home location register (HLR) associated with the wireless DN; transmitting a routing request from the HLR to a visited location register (VLR) with which the wireless mobile station was last registered; allocating a temporary local directory number (TLDN) at the VLR; and, returning the TLDN to the originating switching node.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the establishing step comprises the step of: establishing the connection to the temporary local directory number (TLDN).
 21. A telecommunications network, comprising: an originating switching node configured to determine when a preselected access directory number (DN) has been received and to generate a routing request that includes the preselected access DN in response thereto; a signaling node configured to request said originating switching node to collect digits corresponding to a wireless DN in response to said routing request, said wireless DN being associated with a wireless mobile station wherein said wireless DN is one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN; a visited switching node serving the wireless DN; and, wherein said originating switching node is operative to establish a single Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connection from the originating switching node to the visited switching node.
 22. The network of claim 21 wherein said originating switching node preselected access DN comprises a geographic DN.
 23. The network of claim 21 wherein said originating switching node comprises an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP).
 24. The network of claim 21 wherein said originating switching node includes means for invoking a trigger indexed as a function of a portion of said preselected access DN. 